Newcastle United launch bid for Bruno Guimaraes with Arsenal yet to formalise interest

Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has emerged as a major target for Newcastle United as they look to strengthen their midfield before the end of the January transfer window.

Bruno, who is widely regarded as one of the most exciting players in Ligue 1, is also of interest to Arsenal, although the north London side are yet to make a formal approach for the Brazilian.

Lyon value Bruno at around £35 million and reports in France on Tuesday night suggested that Newcastle have made a proposal which is close to that mark.

Sources close to the player confirmed Newcastle’s interest to Telegraph Sport but warned that any deal could be complicated by his international commitments. The 24-year-old is currently on international duty with Brazil.

Arsenal are long-term admirers of Bruno, who joined Lyon from Athletico Paranaense in 2020, but as of Tuesday night are yet to formalise that interest.

Newcastle’s approach could prompt Arsenal into decisive action, if they believe it is worth getting into a bidding war for the midfielder.

Arsenal’s priority for the midfield position has been Juventus player Arthur Melo, another Brazilian, but they are yet to find a decisive breakthrough in talks with the Italian side.

Arteta wants to sign Arthur on loan, but Juventus are known to want to bring in a replacement before allowing him to leave for north London. The move for Arthur has also been complicated further by Aston Villa’s interest in Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.

Newcastle’s need to strengthen the squad is well documented. As reported by Telegraph Sport earlier this week, they have shown interest in signing Aaron Ramsey from Juventus and are also looking into loan moves for English duo Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard.

In what is expected to be a manic final week of the transfer window, Newcastle are hopeful of adding as many as five players to Howe’s squad.